TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide will host the FCS Mercer Bears today – Saturday, Nov. 16 – at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This game is available on streaming services only
This game will stream live on ESPN Plus. at 2 p.m. Eastern. (1 p.m. Central). You can get a subscription to ESPN Plus for $11.99 per month. Another option is to sign up for an annual subscription for $119.99, which saves about 17% off compared to the monthly route.
The game will also be available on SEC Network Plus, which you can access through the watch ESPN app.
Coming off a statement win in Death Valley against LSU, the Crimson Tide (7-2, 4-2 SEC) will host their annual tune-up for the final stretch of the season. But this isn’t just any mismatch. Mercer is one of the top teams in the FCS.
The Crimson Tide average 38.1 points per game, which is 13th in the nation and are averaging 430.4 yards per game this season, which ranks 35th in the FBS.
Alabama is guided by junior quarterback Jalen Milroe, who has thrown for 2,046 yards and 13 touchdowns with six interceptions. He has completed 67.4% of his passes with an 85.7 QBR, which is the fifth-highest in the nation. Milroe has also gashed defenses with his legs, tallying 565 rushing yards and 16 scores on the ground.
Alabama’s aerial attack is captained by sensational freshman receiver Ryan Williams, who has nabbed 37 receptions for a team-leading 731 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 19.8 yards per reception.
Junior receiver Germie Bernard is not to be overlooked. He touts 31 receptions for 462 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 14.9 yards per reception. Senior tight end CJ Dippre can find his spots with 15 receptions for 181 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per reception.
Alabama’s rushing attack averages 192.4 yards per game. Junior running back Jam Miller backbones the attack with 87 carries for 488 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore Justice Haynes has tallied 63 carries for 373 yards and six touchdowns.
The defense allows 18 points per game, which is 14th in the nation and 338.5 yards per game, which ranks 44th in the FBS. They are allowing 140 yards on the ground, which is 58th in the nation.
Junior linebacker Jihaad Campbell is one of many versatile weapons. He has racked up 44 solo tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. Junior linebacker Deontae Lawson has notched 34 solo tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
Senior defensive back Malachi Moore has wrangled 29 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and five pass deflections.
In addition to forcing 21 turnovers (fifth-highest in the nation), the Crimson Tide have been stingy on third-down conversions, allowing just 32.4%. That is the 22nd-best mark in the FBS.
Watch Alabama vs. Mercer on ESPN Plus now
While they still have much to play for in their respective ranks, the Bears (9-1, 6-1, Southern) enter into their de facto national championship game. Taking down Alabama would arguably be the biggest upset in college football history and much larger than an FCS crown.
Mercer’s only loss this season was a 55-35 shootout to the Samford Bulldogs. The Bears are coming off a 34-0 shutout of the VMI Keydets and have won three straight games.
The Bears defense is the story, stuffing offenses to the tune of 16.6 points per game. They are allowing just 296.5 total yards per game (11th in the FCS), including an FCS-best 57.4 rushing yards per game.
Sophomore defensive lineman Brayden Manley is a monster up front with 12 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Freshman defensive lineman Andrew Zock has impressed with six sacks and 10 solo tackles.
The secondary is by far the best in the FCS.
Senior safety Myles Redding has plucked six interceptions with 28 solo tackles and two forced fumbles. Senior cornerback TJ Moore has notched six interceptions of his own, paired with 27 solo tackles and eight pass deflections.
The offense is averaging 34.8 points and 409.7 yards per game (26th in the FCS).
The scoring starts with junior quarterback D.J. Smith, who has tallied 1,271 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. He also has scampered for 147 yards and four scores on the ground.
His top target, senior receiver Kelin Parsons, has notched 31 receptions for 549 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 17.7 yards per reception.
Sophomore receiver Brayden Smith has 25 receptions for 381 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 15.2 yards per reception. Freshman Kendall Harris rounds out the receiving core with 31 receptions for 298 yards.
Senior running back Dwayne McGee touts 176 carries for 910 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore Micah Bell has tallied 37 carries for 211 yards. The Bears are ranked 30th in the FCS with 176.5 rushing yards per game.
What is the difference between SEC Network and SEC Network Plus?
SEC Network is a live 24-hour television network, while SEC Network Plus is a digital platform that provides hundreds of digital only events through the ESPN App. SEC Network Plus is not a television channel.
Who is announcing Alabama vs. Mercer?
Jay Alter (play-by-play) and Rocky Boiman (analyst) will be the announcers while Ashley Stroehlein reports from the sidelines.
What are the latest odds for Alabama vs. Mercer?
Spread: BAMA: (-42.5), MER: (+42.5)
Moneyline: N/A
Point total: 58
Here’s more information on how to watch this game on TV and streaming services.
What: College football: Alabama vs. Mercer
When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
Time: 2 p.m. Eastern (1 p.m. Central)
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium | Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Best streaming options: ESPN Plus, SEC Network Plus